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The South Okanagan-Similkameen has seen an alarming increase in motorcycle crashes.

On average, there is one fatal motorcycle crash per year in the area, but in 2014 there were four. And injury motorcycle crashes in the region are up by 30 per cent since 2012.

In 2014, 18 per cent of fatal and injury collisions in the South Okanagan-Similkameen involved motorcycles.

According to ICBC, 3.6 per cent of vehicles registered in B.C. are motorcycles. But because they are typically not used year round, the true percentage of collisions involving motorcycles is actually even higher. 

Three quarters of fatal and injury motorcycle collisions in the region, between 2012 and 2014, involved riders 46 or older. Almost all were males.

Speed is the leading cause in most crashes.

Police say many of the incidents are a result of riders entering a curve with too much speed for either their skill level or road conditions. This often results in riders entering the oncoming lane, striking oncoming vehicles, or leaving the road entirely.

In an attempt to reverse the trend, South Okanagan Traffic Services is focusing on enforcement and education through the 2015 riding season.

Although older in age, many riders are new to motorcycles or recently returned to riding after an extended absence. Police believe many lack the counter-steering skills required to effectively turn a motorcycle at higher speeds.

RCMP advise all riders to slow down for curves, as all it takes is a patch of gravel or an unusually slippery surface for a crash to occur.